The Importance of Contracts, and the Difference Between Men

At this, Harry and Ron both looked at Aaron. The hope in their eyes made him shudder.

"Don't look at me like that. It's creepy," Aaron said disdainfully. "I'm not interested in men."

"We're not interested in men either." Ron's face twitched in revulsion. "You've got a way, don't you? You must have a way, right?"

"I'll say it again: the smartest thing you two did was come find me."

"So?" Harry asked. "How do we get out of here?"

"This sad little story tells us..." Aaron paused and looked at them meaningfully. "The importance of contracts."

Harry and Ron exchanged a glance, each seeing utter confusion in the other's eyes.

"What use is that now?" Ron said speechlessly. "Even if we wanted to sign another contract with Crabbe, he probably couldn't be bothered with us."

"I'm not talking about Crabbe." Aaron made a shushing gesture. "Listen."

As soon as he spoke, a Dragon's Roar came from outside. It was followed by the sound of burning flames, mixed with Crabbe's agonized screams, reaching their ears with startling clarity.

"What... what's happening?" Harry swallowed.

Ron guessed uncertainly, "The Ukrainian Ironbelly burned Crabbe to death?"

"If nothing unexpected happened, then yes." Aaron said casually, "Before you came in, I signed a contract with the Ukrainian Ironbelly.

"It cannot harm anyone who came in with me. But if I'm not around and a goblin shows up carrying a silver sword, then that's another matter."

"You knew Crabbe was up to no good?" Harry asked incredulously.

"You can't put it like that. I haven't had much dealings with Crabbe." Aaron waved a hand casually. "But precisely because of that, I didn't trust him the way you did."

"Do you remember how you reacted when I proposed signing a contract this morning?

"You resisted. Not